Bulls collapse in the 4th, Spurs win
Bulls collapse in the 4th, Spurs win (San Antonio, TX) – After losing two games to start the second half of the season, the Bulls have responded in a big way since changing the starting lineup. Chicago has outscored Toronto and Oklahoma City 241-197 in their last two wins.
The Bulls can extend their win streak to 3 against the San Antonio Spurs tonight. The Spurs will be without Demar Derozan, but they still have capable players and one of the best coaches in Gregg Popovich. Dejounte Murray is one player in particular the Bulls will have to keep in check, as he averages 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
Bulls hold Spurs to 31% shooting in 1st half
Chicago had five assists on their first six field goals, jumping out to a 16-6 advantage. Seven different Bulls players scored in the first quarter and the team shot 5/7 from the three-point line. Chicago held San Antonio to 7/24 from the field, but Jakob Poeltl did have 9 points and 5 rebounds. The Bulls led 31-17 going into the 2nd
After starting 5/7 from the three-point line, the Bulls missed nine consecutive threes in the 2nd quarter. Their defense continued to keep them in command however, as they led 43-26 with 6 minutes remaining in the half. Patrick Williams broke the three point drought for the Bulls, as his three put them up 56-33. Chicago led 58-40 going into the 2nd half.
Defense and ball movement were key to the Bulls maintaining control in the 1st half. They held the Spurs to 31% shooting from the field and had 15 assists on their 24 field goals. LaVine led Chicago with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Spurs use the free throw line to stay within striking distance
San Antonio and Chicago traded baskets to start the 3rd, as the Bulls lead 68-50 with 6 minutes left. The Spurs cut the lead down to 72-60 shortly after, but consecutive threes from Otto Porter Jr put the Bulls up by 18 again.
The Spurs went on a 7-2 run to end the quarter, as the Bulls were ahead 80-67 going into the 4th. Despite not shooting well from the field, the Spurs outscored Chicago 17-6 from the free throw line through 3 quarters to stay in the game.
Spurs dominate in 4th, win the game
San Antonio continued their inspired play to start the 4th, as they went on a 10-0 run. Within two minutes, they cut the Bulls lead down to 80-77. Chicago responded quickly with a 9-4 run, to put them up 89-81 with 7 minutes left in the game. The Spurs kept coming and ultimately went on a 17-0 run to lead 98-89 with 2.5 minutes remaining. San Antonio won the game, 106-99.
The Bulls collapsed in the 4th quarter, as the Spurs outscored them 39-19 in the final frame. Murray, Patty Mills and Keldon Johnson led the 4th quarter comeback, as they scored 26 of the 39 points.
LaVine led the Bulls with 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. In his 1000th career game, Thaddeus Young added 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
Up Next
The Spurs (21-16) will play their next game against the Cavs( 15-25) on Friday at 6:30pm CT.
The Bulls (18-21) will hope to get back on track against the Nuggets (24-16) on Friday at 8pm CT.
Bulls collapse in the 4th, Spurs win
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